Swervable ball

ABSTRACT

The ball includes a plurality of polygonal panels that are attached to one another, each such panel having a marginal region and a central region, wherein the marginal region is raised or elevated relative to the central region. By virtue of its material of construction, the weight of the ball is about half that of an equivalent-sized conventional soccer ball. As a consequence of its configuration and weight, the ball can be readily kicked to follow a bending, curving, dipping, and/or swerving trajectory.

STATEMENT OF RELATED CASES

This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Pat. Application Ser.62/564,025, which was filed on Sep. 27, 2017 and which is incorporatedby reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[own] The invention relates to a ball designed to be kicked, primarily,in use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Association football, more commonly referred to as “soccer” or“football” (the latter outside of the U.S.), is considered to be theworld's most popular sport. It is estimated that more than 250 millionplayers in over 200 countries play the game, and it is followed by anestimated 4 billion fans.

A round ball (hereinafter referred to as “soccer ball”) is used to playthe game (hereinafter referred to as “soccer”). Field players use theirfeet or head to strike the soccer ball, although they may also use theirtorso, typically to receive the ball. One player—the goalkeeper—ispermitted to contact the ball with their hands or arms.

The structure of a modern soccer ball typically includes twenty regularhexagonal panels and twelve regular pentagonal panels. The panels arestitched together along abutting edges, and an internal, inflatedbladder causes each panel to bow outward, thereby inducing asubstantially spherical shape to the soccer ball.

Fans of the game admire shots in which spin is imparted to the ball,causing it move in non-linear fashion, curving, bending, knuckling, orswerving, often in dramatic fashion. The scientific principle known asthe “Magnus effect” explains the aforementioned behavior. When a soccerball is kicked, the direction the ball is kicked, in combination withany imparted spin, causes the ball to follow a particular path.According to the Magnus effect, the air flow around the ball, given itsdirection of travel and spin, enables the ball to travel either arelatively straight path, a curved path, or a combination thereof, inwhich the ball initially travels relatively straight and then curves.

Less accomplished soccer players are likely to desire to be able tostrike a ball and cause it to move in the aforementioned non-lineartrajectories like more skilled players. However, doing so is challengingand takes quite a bit of practice. Thus, it would be desirable toprovide a ball that can be readily kicked into non-linear motion, evenby a novice.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a ball that can be readily kicked along anon-linear path. The overall outer dimension of a ball in accordancewith the present teachings is quite similar to that of a conventionalsoccer ball. However, relative to a conventional soccer ball,embodiments of the invention include modifications to the surface of theball, by way of a novel panel design. Furthermore, embodiments of theinvention weigh, as a percentage, considerably less than a conventionalsoccer ball. Each of these factors results in a ball that more readilybends, curves, dips, and/or swerves when struck than a conventionalsoccer ball.

Embodiments of the invention provide a ball comprising a plurality ofpanels, wherein the panels include an embossed region (or a debossedregion, depending on one's perspective). That is to say, the panelsinclude a marginal region situated near the perimeter of each panel, thesurface of which being relatively “higher” than the surface of arelatively “lower” central region, the latter of which comprises themajor portion of each panel. As used herein, the terms “higher” and“lower” refer to relative distances of the surface of each of theseregions from the center of the ball. Thus, a (relatively) higher surfaceis a surface that is further from the center of the ball than a(relatively) lower surface.

In some embodiments, the marginal region extends laterally to theperimeter of panel, and completely surrounds the central region. In someembodiments, the marginal region mirrors the shape of the panel at its“outer” edge (i.e., the edge at the perimeter of the panel) and at its“inner” edge (i.e., the edge that defines the perimeter of the centralregion). Thus, in such embodiments, the panel, the marginal region, andthe central region all define the same shape. In some other embodiments,the inner edge does not mirror the shape of the panel, such that neitherthe marginal region nor the central region will have the same shape asthe panel.

In the illustrative embodiment, the ball is structured from a pluralityof hexagonal-shaped panels and a plurality of pentagonal-shape panels,each including an embossed marginal region, as discussed above, whichmirrors the shape of the respective panel (hexagonal or pentagonal). Inthe illustrative embodiment, the hexagonal-shape panels are twenty innumber and the pentagonal-shape panels are twelve in number.

Furthermore, a ball in accordance with the illustrative embodimentweighs less than a conventional soccer ball. This is due, at least inpart, to the material from which the panels are made. In theillustrative embodiment, the panels consist of EVA foam.

In a first embodiment, the invention provides a ball comprising aplurality of panels, the panels defining an outer surface of the ball,each of the panels having a marginal region and a central region,wherein the marginal region is embossed relative to the central region.

In a second embodiment, the panels of the first embodiment have apolygonal shape. In a third embodiment, the panels of the secondembodiment comprise hexagonal-shape panels and pentagonal-shape panels.In a fourth embodiment, the panels of the third embodiment includetwenty hexagonal-shape panels and twelve pentagonal-shape panels. In afifth embodiment, the panels of the first through fourth embodiments aremade of EVA foam.

In a six embodiment, at least some of the panels of embodiments onethrough five have a first shape, and for those panels having the firstshape, the marginal region thereof defines a form having the first shapeand the central region thereof defines a form having the first shape. Ina seventh embodiment, not all of the panels of the sixth embodiment havethe first shape, and at least some panels not having the first shapehave a second shape, and for those panels having the second shape, themarginal region thereof defines a form having the second shape and thecentral region thereof defines a form having the second shape.

In an eighth embodiment, the marginal region of embodiments one throughseven surrounds the central region, thereby defining the perimeter ofthe central region. In a ninth embodiment, each of the panels ofembodiments one through eight abut other panels along adjacent sidesthereof, and the panels are attached to one another at the adjacentsides. In a tenth embodiment, the ball of embodiments one through ninehas a weight that is a range of about 45 to 55 percent of the weight ofan equivalent-size conventional soccer ball.

In an eleventh embodiment, applicable to embodiments one through fiveand eight through ten, the marginal region has a first shape and thecentral region has a second shape and the panel has a third shape, andwherein the first shape and the second shape are different than thethird shape. In a twelfth embodiment, the marginal region of embodimentsone through eleven is higher than the central region by an amount in arange of about 0.5 to about 2.5 millimeters.

In a thirteenth embodiment, the ball comprises a plurality of polygonalpanels, which panels define the outer surface of the ball, each of thepanels having a marginal region and a central region, wherein themarginal region is embossed relative to the central region, and whereinthe polygonal panels consist of EVA foam. The ball further comprises abladder that is disposed radially inward of the plurality of polygonalpanels, and valve that is in fluidic communication with the inside ofthe bladder for delivering air to the bladder to inflate the ball.

In a fourteenth embodiment, the panels of the thirteenth embodimentcomprise twenty hexagonal-shape panels and twelve pentagonal-shapepanels. In a fifteenth embodiment, for each hexagonal-shape panel of thefourteenth embodiment, the marginal region defines a hexagonal shape andthe central region defines a hexagonal shape. In a sixteenth embodiment,for each pentagonal-shape panel of the fifteenth embodiment, themarginal region defines a pentagonal shape and the central regiondefines a pentagonal shape. In a seventeenth embodiment, the ball ofembodiments fourteen through sixteen has a weight that is a range ofabout 45 to 55 percent of the weight of an equivalent-size conventionalsoccer ball.

In an eighteenth embodiment, the ball comprises a first plurality ofpanels having a hexagonal-shape and a second plurality of panels havinga pentagonal-shape, the first and second plurality of panels defining anouter surface of the ball, each of the panels having a marginal regionand a central region, wherein:

-   -   (a) the marginal region is embossed relative to the central        region,    -   (b) for each panel of the first plurality, the marginal region        defines a hexagonal shape and the central region defines a        hexagonal shape, and    -   (c) for each panel of the second plurality, the marginal region        defines a pentagonal shape and the central region defines a        pentagonal shape.        The ball further comprising a bladder having a spherical shape,        wherein the bladder is disposed radially inward of the outer        surface of the ball, and a valve, wherein the valve is in        fluidic communication with an inside of the bladder and deliver        gas to the inside of the bladder to inflate the bladder and the        ball. In a nineteenth embodiment, the panels of the eighteenth        embodiment consist essentially of EVA foam. And in a twentieth        embodiment, the ball of the eighteenth and nineteenth        embodiments has a weight that is a range of about 35 to 65        percent of the weight of an equivalent-size conventional soccer        ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an orthogonal projection of ball 100 in accordance withthe illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A depicts a plan view of a hexagonal-shape panel of the ball ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 2B depicts a side cross-sectional view along the line A-A of thehexagonal panel of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A depicts a plan view of a pentagonal-shape panel of the ball ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3B depicts a side cross-sectional view along the line B-B of thepentagonal panel of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A depicts a first alternative embodiment of a hexagonal-shapepanel for use in conjunction with ball 100.

FIG. 4B depicts a second alternative embodiment of a hexagonal-shapepanel for use in conjunction with ball 100.

FIG. 4C depicts a third alternative embodiment of a hexagonal-shapepanel for use in conjunction with ball 100.

FIG. 4D depicts a fourth alternative embodiment of a hexagonal-shapepanel for use in conjunction with ball 100.

FIG. 4E depicts a non-polygonal-shape panel for use in conjunction withball 100.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The terms appearing below are defined for use in this disclosure and theappended claims:

-   -   “conventional soccer ball” means a soccer ball, typically made        of leather, and having a size in accordance with the following        sizing convention:    -   Size 3: circumference: 23-24 inches (58-61 centimeters); weight:        300-320 grams;    -   Size 4: circumference: 25-26 inches (63.5-66 cm); weight:        350-390 grams;    -   Size 5: circumference: 27-28 inches (68.6-71 cm); weight:        410-450 grams.    -   “embossed” means a region that is raised relative to another        portion of a surface; it does not reference a technique, it        simply refers to a change in “height,” which, in the context of        the present invention, means a change in radial distance from        the center of the ball.        Additional definitions appear in context throughout this        disclosure.

Embodiments of the invention provide a soccer-like ball. The ball isintended to be kicked while in use, but it may of course be thrown aswell.

FIG. 1 depicts an orthogonal projection (pentagonal face) of ball 100 inaccordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.Ball 100 has a plurality of hexagonal panels 102 and a plurality ofpentagonal panels 104, collectively referenced herein as “polygonalpanels.” In the illustrative embodiment, ball 100 takes the form of aspherical truncated icosahedron, having twenty regular hexagonal-shapepanels 102 and twelve regular pentagonal-shape panels 104. The ball'sshape is actually closer to that of a sphere than a truncatedicosahedron, since the polygonal panels bulge due to the pressure of thegas (e.g., air, etc.) within the ball. Ball 100 is therefore describedas having a “substantially spherical shape,” wherein, as used in thisdisclosure and the appended claims, this phrase refers to andacknowledges any slight deviation from spherical that results when aball, such as ball 100 comprising planar surface panels, is inflated.

Like the illustrative embodiment, many modern conventional soccer ballsinclude twenty regular hexagonal-shape panels and twelve regularpentagonal-shape panels. As those skilled in the art will appreciate,there are a number of other panel geometries that can be (and have been)used for soccer balls. For example, the number of panels on World Cupsoccer balls has decreased over the years from 32 to 14 to 8 to 6. And,in some soccer balls, the panels are not even polygons. In variousembodiments, ball 100 can be structured in any of such arrangements.See, e.g., Swart, D., “Soccer Ball Symmetry,” Proc. Bridges 2015:Mathematic, Music, Art, Architecture, Culture, p. 151-158. Available athttp://archive.bridgesmathart.org/2015/bridges2015-151.pdf

In the illustrative embodiment, the panels are individual, discretepieces of material that are attached to one another to form ball 100. Inthe illustrative embodiment, the polygonal panels are sewed to oneanother, by stitching 105, such as nylon thread. The panels may,however, be attached using adhesives or in other ways known in the art.In some other embodiments, one or more of the panels are formedtogether; that is, they are not discrete, and include, for example a“fake” seam so that they appear to be distinct panels. In suchembodiments, these groupings of panels are attached to one another toform the ball. Such embodiments may include “fake” stitching.

In the illustrative embodiment, the polygonal panels compriseethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. However, the polygonal panels may beconstructed of other materials commonly used in the construction ofkicked balls such as, without limitation, other foams, plastic, rubber,and various types of resins. Typically, the panels are molded by any oneof a number of different molding processes known in the art.

Ball 100 includes an internal, substantially gas-tight bladder (notdepicted), to ensure that the ball holds gas (e.g., air, etc.) pressure.In some embodiments, the bladder comprises butyl or latex. The bladderaccounts for a large portion of the weight of ball 100. In fact,depending on the material from which the panels are made, the bladdermay well account for more than 50% of the weight of the ball. Ball 100further includes an inflation valve, such as a ball valve, (notdepicted), that receives an inflation needle for adding air, asrequired. Such bladders, valves, and needles are well known in the art.

Additionally, in some embodiments, there is a fabric lining, such aspolyester, located radially inward of the panels.

In some embodiments, the panels have a flat planar profile, while insome other embodiments, the panels are formed such that they areslightly curved, wherein the curve matches the curve of the surface ofthe assembled ball.

Standard soccer balls come in various sizes and weights, typicallytargeted to different age groups. For example, size 3 (junior) istargeted to ages 8 and younger, size 4 (youth) is targeted to ages 8 to12, and size 5 (adult) is targeted to ages 13 and older. See thedefinition of “conventional soccer ball” for additional details. (Nike®brand size chart;https://www.nike.com/us/en_us/c/size-fit-guide/soccer-ball-sizing-chart).

In various embodiments, ball 100 may be made in all such standardcircumferences, as well as other intermediate circumferences, orcircumferences larger than that of a size “5.” In the illustrativeembodiment, ball 100 has a size that is intermediate between size “4”and “5;” that is, a size “4.5”.

Although embodiments of ball 100 have the shape of a conventional soccerball, they weigh considerably less than a comparably sized soccer ball.More particularly, in various embodiments, the weight of ball 100 willbe in the range of about 35 to 65 percent of the weight of a comparablysized conventional soccer ball, and more typically in the range about 45to 50%. For example, in the illustrative embodiment, ball 100 has a size“4.5” based on the standard scale. That is, ball 100 has a circumferencethat falls between that of a size “4” and a size “5” conventional soccerball. In particular, whereas the upper limit of circumference for a size“4” ball is 26 inches (66 cm), and the lower limit of circumference fora size “5” ball is 27 inches (68.6 cm), the circumference of ball 100 ata size “4.5” is 26- 6/8 inches (67.9 cm). And while a conventionalsoccer ball of comparable size (circumference) would have a weight ofabout 400 grams, ball 100 at size 4.5 has a weight of about 193 grams.This is about 48% of that of a comparably sized conventional soccerball. In conjunction with the surface modification to its panels, asdiscussed below, the reduced weight of ball 100 enables it to be morereadily kicked or thrown in non-linear motion (bend, swerve, curve, dip,etc.).

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3C depict, for the illustrative embodiment of ball100, additional detail of its polygonal panels. More particularly, FIGS.2A and 2B depict, via respective plan and cross-sectional side views,hexagonal panel 102, and FIGS. 3A and 3B depict, via respective plan andcross-sectional side views, pentagonal panel 104.

In the illustrative embodiment, hexagonal-shape panel 102 has an overallthickness T_(h) and includes six sides 206 of equal length, L_(h).Pentagonal-shape panel 104 has an overall thickness T_(p) and includesfive sides 306 of equal length, L_(p). The length of the sides of panels102 and 104 will of course vary with the circumference of ball 100. Forthe illustrated twenty, regular hexagonal-shape panels and the twelve,regular pentagonal-shape panels, the lengths L_(h) and L_(p) willtypically be in a range of about 30-45 mm. Of course, if the panels havea different shape, or if there are a different number of panels, thenthe length of the sides of the panels could differ significantly fromthe aforementioned range. Those skilled in the art will be able todetermine the length of the sides of the panels for any specific panelgeometry and layout.

Thicknesses T_(h) and T_(p) of respective panels 102 and 104 are equalfor a given embodiment and in the range of about 4 to 8 millimeters(mm).

In the illustrative embodiment, each polygonal panel has a raised or“embossed” marginal region surrounding a lower central region, with thecentral region encompassing most of the surface area of a panel.Specifically, hexagonal-shape panel 102 includes marginal region 208having surface 210 and central region 212 having surface 214, whereinsurface 210 is elevated above surface 214 by an amount HM_(h), definingwall 216. Similarly, pentagonal-shape panel 104 includes marginal region308 having surface 310 and central region 312 having surface 314,wherein surface 310 is higher than surface 314 by an amount HM_(p),defining wall 316. Heights HM_(h) and HM_(p), which are typically butnot necessarily equal for a given embodiment of ball 100, are in therange of about 0.5 to 2.5 mm.

Width, W_(h), of marginal region 208 of hexagonal-shape panel 102, asmeasured at surface 210 of the marginal region, is in the range of about6 to 12 mm. The variation in width, as implied by the stated range, maybe uncorrelated to the size or other structural attributes of the ball.However, in some embodiments, the variation in width is correlated tophysical attributes of the ball, such as its circumference, the numberof panels used, the shape of the panels, etc. The same range applies forwidth, W_(p), of marginal region 308 of pentagonal-shape panel 104, asmeasured at surface 310 of marginal region 308.

In some embodiments, walls 216 and 316 rise vertically (i.e., 0° taper).However, in some other embodiments, these walls do taper. As an exampleof an embodiment of such a taper, and referring to hexagonal-shape panel102 for the purposes of illustration, the width of marginal region 208,as measured at surface 210 (i.e., the top of wall 216) may be slightlyless than the width of that marginal region when measured at the base ofwall 216. The taper is a maximum of about 45°. The taper is typically,but not necessarily, the same for walls 216 and 316 for a givenembodiment of ball 100.

Since, in the illustrative embodiment, the outermost edge of respectivemarginal regions 208 and 308 define or are coincident with the perimeterof respective panels 102 and 104, all adjacent panels are attached atabutting marginal regions thereof.

Furthermore, in the illustrative embodiment, the marginal regioncompletely surrounds the central region; for example, marginal region208 completely surrounds central region 212. In some other embodiments,such as the embodiment of hexagonal-shape panel 402A depicted in FIG.4A, there are “breaks” in the marginal region, such that the marginalregion is discontinuous.

In the illustrative embodiment, the “outer” edge of the marginal region(i.e., the edge of the marginal region at the perimeter of the panel) aswell as the “inner” edge of the marginal region (i.e., the edge thatdefines the perimeter of the central region) mirrors the shape of thepanel (i.e., “hexagonal” shape for panel 102). Thus, panels 102 and 104,respective marginal regions 208 and 308, and respective central regions212 and 312 all define the same shape, which is hexagonal andpentagonal, respectively. In some other embodiments, such as theembodiment of hexagonal-shape panel 402B depicted in FIG. 4B, the inneredge 422B of the marginal region 408B does not mirror the shape of thepanel; it's circular, not hexagonal. Of course, the inner edge can havea shape other than circular while still differing from the shape of thepanel.

As previously noted, in the illustrative embodiment, the outermost edgeof respective marginal regions 208 and 308 define the perimeter ofrespective panels 102 and 104. As such, all adjacent panels are attachedat abutting marginal regions thereof. In some other embodiments, such asthe embodiment of hexagonal-shape panel 402C depicted in FIG. 4C, theoutermost edge 424C of marginal region 408C does not extend to perimeter426C of panel 402C. As such, adjacent panels 402C do not attach to oneanother at marginal region 408C, but rather to the panel (i.e., at thelevel of central region 412C). Consequently, in addition to the surfacemodification that results from the presence of marginal region 408C,channels are now created between marginal regions of adjacent panels.

FIG. 4D depicts hexagonal-shape panel 402D, which includes the featuresof panel 402B: that is, inner edge 422D of marginal region 408D does notmirror the shape of the panel) and also includes the features of panel402C: that is, outermost edge 424D of marginal region 408D does notextend to perimeter 426D of the panel.

FIG. 4E depicts non-polygonal-shape panel 402E. Like all other panels inaccordance with the present teachings, panel 402 includes embossedmarginal region 408E and lower central region 412E.

Those skilled in the art, in light of present disclosure, will be ableto develop a wide variety of other panel configurations with othersshapes, or sizes, or surface modifications, etc., that are consistentwith the present teachings.

Example

An embodiment (size “4.5”) of ball 100 was fabricated from the followingmaterials and with the following dimensions:

-   -   Circumference of Ball: 67.9 cm    -   Weight of Ball: 193 gr    -   Material of construction: EVA foam    -   Overall panel thickness: 5 mm    -   Number of regular hexagon panels: 20        -   Circum-diameter (DCC_(h)): 82 mm        -   Length of side (L_(h)): 41 mm        -   Width of marginal region (W_(h)): 9 mm        -   Height of marginal region (HM_(h)): 1.5 mm    -   Number of regular pentagons: 12        -   Circum-diameter (DCC_(p)): 69.8 mm        -   Length of side (L_(p)): 41 mm        -   Width of marginal region (W_(p)): 9 mm        -   Height of marginal region (HM_(p)): 1.5 mm

Other than in the Example, or where otherwise indicated, all numbersexpressing, for example, quantity or size, are to be understood as beingmodified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unlessindicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in thefollowing specification and attached claims are understood to beapproximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties to beobtained in ways that will be understood by those skilled in the art.Generally, this means a variation of at least +/−15%.

Also, it should be understood that any numerical range recited herein isintended to include all sub-ranges encompassed therein. For example, arange of “35 to 65” is intended to include all sub-ranges between, andincluding, the recited minimum value of about 35 and the recited maximumvalue of about 65; that is, having a minimum value equal to or greaterthan about 35 and a maximum value of equal to or less than about 65.

It is to be understood that the disclosure describes a few embodimentsand that many variations of the invention can easily be devised by thoseskilled in the art after reading this disclosure and that the scope ofthe present invention is to be determined by the following claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A ball comprising a plurality of panels, the panelsdefining an outer surface of the ball, each of the panels having amarginal region and a central region, wherein the marginal region isembossed relative to the central region.
 2. The ball of claim 1 whereinthe panels have a polygonal shape.
 3. The ball of claim 1 wherein thepanels comprise hexagonal-shape panels and pentagonal-shape panels. 4.The ball of claim 3 wherein the panels include twenty hexagonal-shapepanels and twelve pentagonal-shape panels.
 5. The ball of claim 1wherein the panels comprise EVA foam.
 6. The ball of claim 1 wherein atleast some of the panels have a first shape, and for those panels havingthe first shape, the marginal region thereof defines a form having thefirst shape and the central region thereof defines a form having thefirst shape.
 7. The ball of claim 6 wherein not all of the panels havethe first shape, and at least some panels not having the first shapehave a second shape, and for those panels having the second shape, themarginal region thereof defines a form having the second shape and thecentral region thereof defines a form having the second shape.
 8. Theball of claim 1 wherein the marginal region surrounds the centralregion, thereby defining the perimeter of the central region.
 9. Theball of claim 2 wherein each panel abuts other panels along adjacentsides thereof, and the panels are attached to one another at theadjacent sides.
 10. The ball of claim 1 wherein the ball has a weightthat is a range of about 45 to 55 percent of the weight of anequivalent-size conventional soccer ball.
 11. The ball of claim 1wherein the marginal region has a first shape and the central region hasa second shape and the panel has a third shape, and wherein the firstshape and the second shape are different than the third shape.
 12. Theball of claim 1 wherein the marginal region is higher than the centralregion by an amount in a range of about 0.5 to about 2.5 millimeters.13. A ball comprising: a plurality of polygonal panels defining an outersurface of the ball, each of the panels having a marginal region and acentral region, wherein the marginal region is embossed relative to thecentral region, and wherein the polygonal panels consist of EVA foam; abladder, wherein the bladder is disposed radially inward of theplurality of polygonal panels, wherein the bladder comprises a materialthat is substantially impermeable to air; and a valve, wherein the valveis in fluidic communication with an inside of the bladder and isphysically adapted to enable air to be delivered to the inside of thebladder to inflate the ball.
 14. The ball of claim 13, wherein thepanels comprise twenty hexagonal-shape panels and twelvepentagonal-shape panels.
 15. The ball of claim 14 wherein, for eachhexagonal-shape panel, the marginal region defines a hexagonal shape andthe central region defines a hexagonal shape.
 16. The ball of claim 14wherein, for each pentagonal-shape panel, the marginal region defines apentagonal shape and the central region defines a pentagonal shape. 17.The ball of claim 14 wherein the ball has a weight that is a range ofabout 45 to 55 percent of the weight of an equivalent-size conventionalsoccer ball.
 18. A ball comprising: a first plurality of panels having ahexagonal-shape and a second plurality of panels having apentagonal-shape, the first and second plurality of panels defining anouter surface of the ball, each of the panels having a marginal regionand a central region, wherein: (a) the marginal region is embossedrelative to the central region, (b) for each panel of the firstplurality, the marginal region defines a hexagonal shape and the centralregion defines a hexagonal shape, and (c) for each panel of the secondplurality, the marginal region defines a pentagonal shape and thecentral region defines a pentagonal shape; a bladder having a sphericalshape, wherein the bladder is disposed radially inward of the outersurface of the ball; and a valve, wherein the valve is in fluidiccommunication with an inside of the bladder and is physically adapted toenable gas to be delivered to the inside of the bladder to inflate thebladder and the ball.
 19. The ball of claim 18, wherein the first andsecond plurality of panels consist essentially of EVA foam.
 20. The ballof claim 18 wherein the ball has a weight that is a range of about 35 to65 percent of the weight of an equivalent-size conventional soccer ball.